Micro-Flow Imaging™ (MFI™) integrates digital microscopy, micro-fluidics and image processing into a single instrument for automatic analysis of particles or cells suspended in liquids. MFI operates by capturing images from the sample as it passes through the flow cell’s sensing zone. Every particle in each image is analyzed to create a database of particle count, size, transparency and morphology (or shape). For immediate visual verification, images are displayed on the system monitor in real-time. MFI can also produce Trend Charts to monitor dynamic processes.
While the operating principles of MFI are straight forward, there are many technical issues in obtaining accurate and consistent performance across multiple samples and instruments, particularly for challenging sample types. ProteinSimple continues to enjoy working with its collaborators and customers to investigate these issues and to incorporate the solutions in our products. Examples include obtaining high and consistent sensitivity, accurate and consistent measurements, high sampling efficiency, small sample volumes, convenient and robust sample introduction, user friendly “data mining” software and validatible methods for using MFI.
